Chances are you’ve heard of Colleen De Reuck. A Boulderite for several decades and a familiar face on the podiums of top races across the world, De Reuck has certainly made a name for herself. What’s surprising is the dichotomy between her seemingly aggressive, confident racing style and her laid back, relaxed perspective on the sport. De Reuck is a woman of few words, but I suppose that doesn’t necessarily matter with a resume that speaks volumes. With a total of four appearances at the Summer Olympics, major world medals at the IAAF and USA Cross Country Championships, and an unfathomable amount of podium spots at big races around the world, De Reuck is a name that will forever stand in the books of time.
What’s more, her long-lasting career is not yet over. While caring for her 2 wonderful daughters – Tasmin (19 yrs) and Tara (6yrs) – De Reuck is taking on a new sport: triathlons. With the support and coaching of her husband, Darren De Reuck (an incredible athlete in his own right), Colleen is currently training for several upcoming triathlons. Read on to find out how her South African roots took her to Boulder, and why she’s been there ever since.
Quick Stats
Name: Colleen De Reuck
Age: 49 ( the big 50th in April)
Hometown & Current: Boulder, CO
Professional & Educational background: B. A. in Education. Taught for 6 years in South Africa.
Sports participated in: Running and now recently, triathlons.
Years in current sport: running 35 years and 2 years in triathlons
Racing Team: Colorado Racing Club
Sponsors/Affiliations: Zoot clothing and Power Bar
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
Receiving the bronze medal at World Cross country in 2002 . It was my first time representing USA. Cross country is my favorite discipline. Just love it.
Winning the Olympic Trials in 2004 a few weeks shy of my 40th birthday and making the USA Olympic team in 2004. What an honor!!! And running the marathon along the original marathon course in Athens.
What are your long-term goals?
That would be to be able to keep on training and racing for many years. It is such a wonderful activity to socialize with friends (old and new) and to keep fit an healthy.
What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
To be an athlete that represents good sportsmanship.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
When South Africa was allowed back into international competition, Darren and I decided to come to USA to race the road circuit. We had heard so much about Boulder and decided to give altitude training a try. Loved the city of Boulder, small enough not to be too over whelming. ( I grew up in a very small town, Mandini)
Colorado is special for athletes as it has the altitude, plenty of trails to run on, and Coloradans are very sporty, fit and healthy who appreciate the serious athletes.
Colorado has become my home for the last 21 years. I love the 4 seasons we get here, I grew up with summer all year long ( although it is challenging to train here sometimes during the winter )
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I have cut back my running as I am training for some triathlons. I do 2 hard run workouts a week and a long run, I swim 3 times a week and am supposed to bike 3 times but that has not happened as it is winter (don’t like the cold). I also run with my running group that I coach, the Boulder Striders. And I do personal training at CAC-Flatirons.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I do strength training twice a week and used to do pilates but that has been dropped as I don’t have time now that I am trying to swim and bike as well.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are your favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
I just try and eat healthy meals. Favorite recovery drink is fruit smoothy. My fall down is chocolate.
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
My coach, Darren De Reuck.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Biggest challenge is time. Trying to fit every thing we have to do in one day. Have good support at home and wonderful friends.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Heart and Soul Races by Henry Guzman- they give so much back to charity.
Bolder Boulder- a World Class event right in our backyard
Boulder Backroads Marathon and Spring Half marathon- a marathon at altitude on the dirt roads in Boulder county.
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
I have only trained in the Boulder Area. This is where my home is and with kids, it made it difficult to travel around.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Nike pegasus for training and Nike Lunar Racer
Favorite post-run/race beverage: run- fruit smoothy and for race- chocolate milk
Favorite post-run/race meal: run- yogurt and berries and cereal and for race- much later in the day, once the stomach has settled, a steak or burger
Role models: My parents
Day job: MOM, personal trainer at CAC- Flatirons and coach of Boulder Striders
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? Running team is Colorado Racing Club and my training partner for most of my days are Joanna Zeiger and Darren De Reuck
Favorite Restaurant : Brasserie Ten Ten
Favorite Running Store: Fleet Feet and Boulder Running Company
Favorite non-running activity: pilates
Favorite TV Show: Blacklist
Favorite book: Any suspense novel
Favorite movie: Pretty Women
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
Yes, good training block, leading to confidence.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Believe in yourself.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
Work hard and be kind and caring.
What keeps you motivated?
Setting new goals. There are times when the motivation is low and I take a break from what I am doing and I find that it will return once you get the energy and spark back.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Family and friends.